The European Commission appealed to the US on Monday. Western Balkans take measures to adapt visa regulations to community legislationto stop irregular migrants from entering the European Union through this region.
Community Manager posted Fifth report on the follow-up of the visa-free regime with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, as well as with Georgia, Moldova and the EU Ukraine.
“Lack of compliance with EU visa policy can lead to an increase in irregular arrivals andbe addressed as a priority issue for all Western Balkans partners“, said AK.
action plan
That’s exactly what community vice president Margaritis Schinas stated in her presentation. An action plan for the Western Balkans In the field of immigration, this alignment in visa policy is “obligatory”.
It is “unacceptable” for Balkan countries to make “visa-free agreements” with third countries“Taking advantage of loopholes to gain illegal entry into the EU,” he said.
The Western Balkans route has become one of the biggest immigration pressure points. 168% increase andn Number of entries according to the European border agency Frontex.
European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson said most of the entries were made through Serbia, but He stressed that there are “gaps” in compliance with European norms on visas in all countries in the Balkans.
organized crime
In the report released this Monday Brussels also asks eight countries to do more against organized crime, financial fraud, corruption and money laundering.
It also calls for action. “phasing out citizenship programs for investors or systematically avoiding naturalization” to investors.
“The reform process carried out during the New Year period is a must. visa liberalization talks and countries do not back down from their successes,” he said.
Fifth report released today Before the celebration in Tirana on Tuesday A summit between the European Union and the Western Balkans.
The EU currently has a visa exemption regime with 61 countriespermits citizens of these States to stay visa-free in the Twenty-Seven Territories for a 90-day stay in any 180-day period.
Visa-exempt passengers visiting the Schenge arean will be subject to the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) from the end of 2023.